Renowned UK chef and television presenter, Jamie Oliver has been fighting a long battle for years to help educate people on the dangers of cheap, unhealthy food.

In particular, Jamie has been campaigning to remove what he dubbed as ‘pink slime’ from burgers, chicken nuggets and the like. Oliver ran a series of documentaries placing emphasis on the process used to prepare these types of food. He explained that the fatty parts of the meat are washed in ammonium hydroxide and then added to the burger recipe. Prior to being added, the meat is actually considered unfit for human consumption. “Basically, we’re taking a product that would be sold in the cheapest way for dogs, and after this process, is being given to human beings.” is how Jamie Oliver views the severity of this process. He went on to ask “Why would any sensible human being put meat filled with ammonia in the mouths of their children?” Since then, McDonald’s has announced that it will change the recipe, although they claim that the change is unrelated to Oliver’s campaign. It is worth pointing out that this does not apply to McDonald’s restaurants in the U.K. and Latin America, where their meat is locally sourced. In the U.S. however, ammonium hydroxide is considered a “component in a production procedure” by the USDA as it is used as an anti-microbial agent in meats. Worryingly, this means that consumers have no way of knowing if this product is even in any of the meat products they are consuming.The good news is, at least, that McDonald’s have now removed this product from their meat in the U.S.

The video below shows the episode of Jamie’s Food Revolution where he shows how the famous ‘pink slime’ is made:

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I find it impressive that Oliver managed to take down McDonalds pink slime ways.

But, the question is? Do you eat at fast food places out of choice? Yes or no.

I personally do not, unless I am on a long road trip, and there is nowhere else, I'll buy a cookie or something.

There is fast food and then there is "fast food". I'd say more of a definition is in order. For example I can go to a local Malaysian or Thai based restaurant and order take-out. I still class this as fast food as I can easily go and pick it up.

But if we talk the usual McD's, Burger King (Hungry Jacks), KFC, Taco Bell, Red Rooster (BBQ rotisserie chicken), Carls Jr., Wendys (you guys really have a lot over there) etc then really none of them are very appetising. Well ok Red Rooster is if I forgo the fries and leave the skin (funnily enough I've not eaten fries for a very long time).

As far as burgers go, besides some of the "local" fish 'n chip store burgers the very best fast food one I've had would be at Five Guys just north of Pittsburgh (Robinson Township).

If I have to eat at a McD's or similar I tend to end up with the grilled chicken based burger / sandwich / wrap over anything. Just as bad really mind you

Rarely I do. I only go to fastfood places on occasion for a small unhealthy snack, which I think is okay. Like a small chicken kickers at KFC or small clam strips at White Castle. I never get full meals at fastfood any more.

My personal reasons ............

Local non-franchise places are cheaper and provide better tasting and larger quantity for your buck.

FastFood isn't that Fast anymore. Wait times seem like they have gotten longer, whether or not they are busy.

The quality(taste) has degraded over the years.

The best tasting foods are usually limited time or always sold out. Just recently White Castle had shrimp nibblers, they sold out in a couple of days everywhere and ended in about two weeks. I've only got to eat them once.

FastFood meals would make me feel weighted down, drowsy, and a slight headache ... 50% of the time.

About once or twice a month, I take the girls to McDonalds. How do you tell a five-year-old, "No"? She loves the chicken nuggets and apples, I drink a coffee, then she spends an hour on the Playland, while I use the WiFi and post on here.

I eat fast food by choice, maybe once or twice a week. More often, it's something like Five Guys or a burrito joint. But I have no problem grabbing a Big Mac or Whopper meal. I've even been known to have Chicken McNuggets for dinner.

I quite enjoy it for what it is. Sometimes, I just want a quick, cheap bite to eat. And man, do I love McDonald's fries.

And in contrast to what many others say, fast food for me is the only thing guaranteed not to cause some rear discomfort. If I know I'm going to be in a show or something where I cannot get out for a bathroom break, fast food is the best choice. Fresh grilled stuff, while I love it, is almost always going to send me on a trip.

At one point in my life, I was really, really bad with the fast food. Sometimes, twice a day. I was single and younger then, but even after I got married, I just sort of existed in a state of denial on how bad that stuff is. I didn't really suffer any acute health effects other than being a fat ass. Who knows if there are any lingering chronic conditions.

I quit fast food (along with sugary drinks, like Sprite) about six years ago and haven't been into one since. No emergency hunger late-night excuse, no road-trip excuse, no everyone's doing it excuse. I just don't do it - not even a little bit. I dropped a good amount of weight for my efforts.

I hate being preachy about it and I say this with peace and love... but most folks who eat that stuff more than once or twice a month need to take a serious look at why. There are better options available with a bit of planning, and a bit more discipline. Some body-types/physiques can get away with it more than others, that's for sure. But if you find yourself sitting there with fast-food crumbs all over your fat belly, you've got some work to do if you want to continue enjoying life. I speak from experience.

All that being said, I'm certainly against "government control" over these sorts of issues. Personal choice exists and people can do what they want. Continuing education on healthy eating, however, should remain a priority -- for a number of reasons.

You're in new york so I know you have a White Castle near you. Try the ranch chicken rings.

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I had a bad experience with those. They were basically just regular chicken rings with a ton of ranch powder thrown on it. The ranch powder overwhelmed me. Don't know if they made it wrong or that's how it is.

I had a bad experience with those. They were basically just regular chicken rings with a ton of ranch powder thrown on it. The ranch powder overwhelmed me. Don't know if they made it wrong or that's how it is.

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Depends on the location. Last time I got them they barely put any on at all and I had to ask for more. I like them with lots of ranch powder. Their seasonal fried shrimp is also delicious, but seafood season is over this year. It's all about the sriracha chicken right now.

There is fast food and then there is "fast food". I'd say more of a definition is in order. For example I can go to a local Malaysian or Thai based restaurant and order take-out. I still class this as fast food as I can easily go and pick it up.

But if we talk the usual McD's, Burger King (Hungry Jacks), KFC, Taco Bell, Red Rooster (BBQ rotisserie chicken), Carls Jr., Wendys (you guys really have a lot over there) etc then really none of them are very appetising. Well ok Red Rooster is if I forgo the fries and leave the skin (funnily enough I've not eaten fries for a very long time).

As far as burgers go, besides some of the "local" fish 'n chip store burgers the very best fast food one I've had would be at Five Guys just north of Pittsburgh (Robinson Township).

If I have to eat at a McD's or similar I tend to end up with the grilled chicken based burger / sandwich / wrap over anything. Just as bad really mind you

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Heh.. Hungry Jacks.. someone has been to Australia!

Ever since really finding Five Guys on the West coast, it's been a tossup for me between them and In-n-Out, even though I know that In-n-Out caters to a different crowd. Plus, Five guys is expensive for the ticket.

As we are contemplating a move to Portland, which our last chance for In-n-Out would be Redding, CA: 372 miles away. So Five Guys would win out there, with the exception of Burgerville. They are a local chain up there, which I would mainly go there for the chocolate hazelnut shakes, and the Walla Walla onion rings.

Again, all of this on the more-than-likely high cholesterol and fat level, but it tastes good. The big plus for me with In-n-Out: The fries. Most places use plain jane Idaho Russet potatoes for their stock of fries, and leave it to the seasoning, etc., to stand out. In-n-Out uses Kennebec potatoes, which have a completely different taste altogether.

We are definitely starting to eat out, let alone fast food, much less than we had before. We've been doing more healthier fares, especially with the fact that my wife wants to get back into powerlifting again.

So like most others, if we have to eat out, we'll make room in the diet for it, but mainly it would be Chipotle or Subway. But after working in fast food (hey, my first job was McDonalds), I have to agree.. it isn't healthy at all.

But, the question is? Do you eat at fast food places out of choice? Yes or no.

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I only eat fast food when there is no alternative that doesn't risk food poisoning and dysentery. I will try to eat something that probably is super-heated and untouched by human hands. I've never gotten over home cooking-- fast food doesn't taste like food to me. I will go to any kind of food store and buy something real if that is an option.

Proper hamburgers, with good meat patties and plenty of salad have long been available in my home country, Aotearoa, but they not really as fast food. They are cooked to order, and each joint has its own recipe.

The first MacDonalds opened back in the mid '70s, and I was going past, so decided to drop in and try one. What a disappointment .. that was my last experience of the brand.

KFC arrived, and I went there with some friends. Kind of edible, but not great. I have occasionally been in again, but certainly don't make a habit of it. The last time would have been at least five years ago, with a now ex-girlfriend here in Asia. Grilled chicken and sticky rice from a street hawker is half the price, and tastier.

There are other brands available, but I can't even think of the names of them. Fast food .. No thanks.

About once or twice a month, I take the girls to McDonalds. How do you tell a five-year-old, "No"? She loves the chicken nuggets and apples, I drink a coffee, then she spends an hour on the Playland, while I use the WiFi and post on here.

Otherwise, Subway is our fast food of choice.

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How do you tell a 5 year old no?

Easy " Honey! I don't want you getting diabetes and heart problems and being fat. So no "

As far as the major contenders such as mcdonalds, Wendy's, Burger King, Taco Bell, etc etc....I can't remember the last time I've eaten there. I'd rather go hungry than eat that crap. I'm all about organic locally sourced privately owned restaurants.

I eat fast food occasionally. It's not difficult for me to not eat it often, it tastes good but generally doesn't make me feel great. I even stay away from Subway now as I've noticed I feel a bit crappy an hour or two after eating it.

If I need a quick meal when I'm out, I'd go for a burrito or wrap or slice of pizza, but generally stay away from fast food burgers, fries, and fried chicken. Although it is common for me and my friends to go to McDonalds late at night if we've been out drinking a lot.

I needed two greasy McDoubles this morning to fend off a hangover from a wild night last night. Besides that, it was probably a month since I last had fast food. I've tried to get it out of my lifestyle.

I always bring my lunch to work, so I'm covered there. It's just those work 8:30-6p class 7-9:30p days where you try not to cave in during that 60-90 min window (less with travel) and go for fast food.

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